Shock in Kharkiv Jewish Community: Missile Strikes Jewish Cemetery

Residents of Kharkiv experienced a difficult weekend, as shelling was heard repeatedly throughout the city. One of the missiles struck directly at the Jewish cemetery during the heavy bombardment on Friday night.

The city’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz, took advantage of a brief lull during the day and was horrified to discover the damage at the cemetery. “Together with the mayor, we will do everything to restore the destruction,” he said.

For the Jewish community, this was a painful blow. It is not the first time that the community and its institutions have been struck. In the past, the Jewish school was hit, followed by the yeshiva building, and later the synagogue and even the rabbi’s home. In addition, many homes of local Jews were damaged, with several casualties and injuries reported.

Despite the difficult attacks, the Jewish community is striving to continue Jewish life. “Life must go on,” said Rabbi Moskovitz. “In these days, we are preparing for Chanukah, and we are confident that the great light will push away the darkness.”

On Sunday, Rabbi Moskovitz visited the cemetery to assess the damage. “We are all shocked by what happened,” he said at the end of the visit. “Together with the mayor, we will do everything necessary to repair the damage and, above all, restore the dignity of the memory of the Jewish people buried in the cemetery.”